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FROM FACEBOOK
Love the bigger size and feel of
the new magazine! This January/
February 2016 edition was the best
I have read in years. The focus on
the lymph system and the article on
the long thoracic nerve compression
were both excellent. Thank you!
ANN BROOKS
LOVIN' LYMPH
I was glad to see the articles on the
lymphatic system in Massage & Bodywork
magazine [ January/February 2016].
This subject is of special concern to
me—both personally and professionally.
The lymphatic system gets little emphasis
in massage education. We study the
musculoskeletal system extensively, but give
little time to understanding the function of
this system that lies within the superficial
fascia—the layer of body tissues outside of
the muscles and beneath the skin.
Both exercise and massage affect the
flow of the lymph when there is normal
lymphatic function. As Sandy Fritz talks
about in her article [page 54], the lymph
flows through channels regulated by valves.
But when those valves cease to function
adequately, the situation changes drastically.
This breakdown, or overload, of the
lymphatic system occurs in advanced cancer,
heart disease, and primary lymphedema.
This appears as edema, and can be a very
painful condition. In these conditions,
gliding and kneading strokes of Swedish
massage do not help move the lymph, and
can actually cause more pain and discomfort.
It is very important for massage therapists
to understand this when working with a
compromised lymphatic system.
So how can we help our clients with
edema? Avoid gliding, kneading, or any
technique that causes friction on the
tissues. The use of broad, encompassing
compression can help to alleviate the pain
associated with edema. It is important to
communicate carefully with the client to
avoid anything that is painful to the touch.
Why compression? Take a look at
medical treatments for swelling. They may
involve the use of diuretics and mechanical
drainage of fluid buildup in the body.
But they also involve the use of elevation,
compression bandaging, and compression
garments, for either acute edema or chronic
lymphedema. What does this accomplish?
It gives relief, and helps to gently allow
some movement and drainage of the
lymph system, through the use of broad,
encompassing compression. These words
comprise three of the principles of Comfort
Touch nurturing acupressure I have been
practicing and teaching for many years.
Not only can broad, encompassing
compression help alleviate swelling,
it provides pleasurable comfort, and a
much needed respite from the pain and
discomfort of the condition.
MARY ROSE
LONGMONT, COLORADO
DON'T MISS THE JOY
Thank you for featuring Elaine Stillerman's
truly excellent article "Massage for Moms-
to-Be" [Massage & Bodywork, November/
December 2015, page 50]. Too often
practitioners shy away from working on
pregnant women. This article is very
thorough in providing readers with all the
precautions and contraindications to allow
their work to be safe and effective. For space
reasons, her heavy concentration is on the
precautions, so I just wanted to add my
voice about the utter joy (and importance) of
working with mothers in the pre- and post-
partum period. Do not deny yourself the
privilege for fear of doing something wrong.
The following in Carole Osborne's
article [page 62] was great as well:
"We will know our society is getting its
priorities straight when midwives are paid
more than bank presidents."
TOM MYERS
WALPOLE, MAINE
EXAMINING OUR
BELIEFS ABOUT MONEY
I'm so glad to see this issue being
addressed in the January/February
2016 issue of Massage & Bodywork
magazine [Mindful Money, page 30].
I believe personal finance should be a
part of the basic massage curriculum and
I teach some of it in Business Ethics &
Professionalism. I also bring in a guest
speaker with 20 years of experience in the
area. He does an awesome presentation on
how money works, showing students how
to set up their personal finances correctly.
VIOLA CROWDER-MOGER
KILLEEN, TEXAS
READER FORUM
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